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Rice Flour Porridge is a food you’ll wonder how you lived without … and why no one shared this recipe sooner! We’ve been using more pantry staples lately, which is what gave me the idea to develop and give this hot cereal recipe a try. Wow, such delicious comfort food!
Enjoy this new gluten-free breakfast or snack recipe, also Paleo, Vegan and VAD-friendly. Just 2 ingredients, easy prep, fast to make, convenient, affordable and gentle to digest.
Why white rice is healthy and even Paleo
The classic definition of the Paleo diet includes the description, grain-free. However, Paul Jaminet, author of The Perfect Health Diet, is one Paleo nutritional resource who has influenced many that white rice can be included with benefits.
Before I go into several of the reasons behind Jaminet’s perspective, it’s noteworthy that white rice is not for everyone. I only added white rice back into my diet about six months ago after an important detox brought me to a new level of wellness. So I am not suggesting you start eating white rice.
Simply, that white rice does have benefits, and each person can re-think and decide for themselves if white rice has a bad rap.
Benefits of white rice:
- Provides the body with glucose — White rice (and white potatoes) digest into pure glucose, whereas other starchy vegetables and fruits break down into both glucose and fructose. Glucose can be used immediately by the body (bypassing the liver). Jaminet observes that the absence of glucose-producing foods can lead to glucose deficiencies and, in turn, health problems. He believes the addition of white rice can prevent this from happening.
- Resistant starch — I’ve written a lot about resistant starch. A specific kind of resistant starch is formed in cooked and cooled rice, called RS3. RS3 is particularly well-loved by our gut flora. White rice contains just a bit, making it a gentle inclusion in the diet (whereas some react to large amounts of resistant starch from other sources). RS3 is good for colon health and the immune system.
- Carbs and energy — Several clients (and one family member) over the years have struggled with weight loss. As they strictly adhered to an autoimmune diet, they began to lose weight and energy. The best advice? Combine a convenient carbohydrate with a healthy fat. White rice is one such carb that’s helped many to gain new energy and maintain their weight as they continue an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Decreased incidence of diabetes — Contrary to popular perception, studies show that countries who eat more white rice amidst a balanced natural foods diet, have lower incidence of diabetes. Jaminet says, “Internationally, higher consumption of white rice is associated with a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.”
- Free of toxins and anti-nutrients — The outer hull of white rice has been removed, thus freeing white rice from protein toxins and phytic acid (which robs the body of minerals). (Brown rice and other grains could still be avoided.)
- Mucus-forming and satiety — In agreement with Jaminet, Stephen Guyenet Ph.D. and author of The Hungry Brain, observes that prolonged small intestine exposure to glucose from white rice and white potatoes leads to increased satiety. Guyenet also comments, in regard to improving gut integrity, eye health and more, on the usefulness of glucose in forming polysaccharides that make mucus.
Ingredients in Rice Flour Porridge
Rice Flour Porridge really does have only 2 ingredients! Organic white rice flour (this one is a good option) + water! That’s it!
Similar to commercially sold hot cereals, Rice Flour Porridge is a smooth hot cereal that’s cozy, comforting, easy and fast to make.
Rice Flour Porridge makes a great breakfast staple or snack — and, of course, is very inexpensive to make from only one pantry staple!
How to make Rice Flour Porridge
Simply bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the rice flour. Simmer for 5 minutes, remove from the heat and cover for 10.
Then serve. That’s it!
Toppings and variations
Similar to Cream of Wheat, my favorite way to eat Rice Flour Porridge is quite simply: topped with just butter and maple syrup. Several similar toppings will be just as fitting, depending on your personal preference. Topping suggestions and variations include:
- coconut oil
- honey
- heavy cream or raw milk
- coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy creamy nut/seed milk
- raisins
- other dried fruits
- sprouted “crispy” nuts
- fresh or frozen berries
- cinnamon
- Fair Trade chocolate chips (You have to try these; they’re SO good! Finally a true Paleo/Vegan chocolate chip that’s affordable!)
- carob chips — My new favorite for a lower copper delicious alternative to chocolate.
Savory variation
To make a savory “meal” or gruel 😉 , use bone broth or meat stock in place of water in the recipe. Top with a pat of unsalted butter and a sprinkle of sea salt.
SUPER delicious, this savory treat is rich in gelatin and amino acids, while also being gentle to digest and affordable to make.
Rice Flour Porridge (2-Ingredient Hot Cereal)
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 cups filtered water
- 10 Tablespoons rice flour white , organic (½ cup + 2 Tablespoons)
Instructions
- Pour water into medium-large saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium.
- Whisk water while you sprinkle in rice flour. Keep pouring in flour gradually until it's all added. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring or whisking most of the time.
- Turn off heat, cover with a lid or plate. Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Serve. Top with butter or coconut oil and maple syrup or honey. Add additional optional ingredients: raisins, cinnamon, berries etc.
Notes
Process photos
Nutrition
Nikki says
Can I grind up white basmati in a coffee grinder to make the flour?
Megan says
Hi Nikki, yes, you can! Great question. WikiHow says, (after cleaning the grinder of any leftover coffee): “Run 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 ml) of rice through the grinder at a time. The coffee grinder will turn the grains of rice into a smooth powder. It’s best to grind the rice in small quantities so it doesn’t clog or overwork the coffee grinder. If you notice the grinder getting hot, simply unplug it and let it cool down for a few minutes before continuing grinding. You may need to run the rice powder through the grinder a second time if it’s still coarse after the first run. Grinders that are older or that have worn blades won’t process the rice as efficiently.” https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rice-Flour
Rhonda R Sneed says
Can you make this from brown rice flour thanks and how long to cook it
Megan says
Hi Rhonda, I haven’t tried the recipe with brown rice flour, so I don’t know how it will taste, or the cooking time, sorry.
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing this information, Megan! It sounds delicious—can’t wait to try it! : )
Megan says
You’re welcome, Jennifer, thanks! Hope you love the porridge!
Beverley Speechley says
I am so happy to have found you. I will located in my new home and intend on making your recipes my main priority along with working out and resting. I
Can you help me locate the flour you are speaking of? Einkorn
Ewa Jakuszewski says
Hi Thank you for recipe I`m about to make it but in half amount and 5Tbsp is 1/2 cup do you use small spoons maybe
Megan says
Hi Ewa, typically there are 8 Tablespoons in 1/2 cup, but some measure as few as 6.7 Tablespoons per 1/2 cup. I wonder if your Tablespoon is large LOL? I hope that helps!
Prossy says
Hi, can I add some sugar to the rice porridge?
Megan says
Sure, I’d do it after the porridge cooks, though, as you would with oatmeal. 🙂
Teopista of Homecler says
I haven’t been taking rice porridge. But recently, after some serious bouts of Gastric ulcers, I was recommended to try rice porridge to help soothe the gastric as it forms the mucus that protects stomach lining. Since that first try, I fell in love with rice porridge. It taste great and has that calming and satisfying (satiety) effect. Thanks for this article as it will help many to try out this great though not overly nutrient packed food/drink.
Megan says
Great, thank you for sharing and well said. 🙂
Sandy says
Thank you so much. My dog cannot eat any particles and I have tried to cook the rice with extra water and then grind it but that does not work. She is on a special “ground” diet due to tie back surgery which other dog owners might know about. Now she is on a kidney diet as well and the recipes all include rice. So now I know how to add rice to her restricted diet without having the large grains of rice that can contribute to pneumonia.
Sandy says
Hi, can I use Lactaid milk instead of water to make the rice flour porridge?
Megan says
Hi Sandy, you can add Lactaid afterwards, like adding cream to oatmeal, but I wouldn’t cook with it. Thanks for the question.
Tina says
Thank you for this recipe. I use organic rice flour from India and this agrees with me way more than the commercial brand of Cream of Rice. It makes my gut happy. 🙂
Megan says
Great, Tina, I’m so happy to hear, and thank you for sharing!
Alex says
Hi Megan,
My family has been enjoying this recipe very much and I just wanted to say, “Thank you!”
My daughter has hers with a pinch of salt, butter and raisins and she raves about it each morning. For my mother, I make it with just butter and I love that she is able to easily digest it, while enjoying the taste and texture so much. Both ways are delicious, easy and fast!
Thank you.
Megan says
Great, Alex! So glad to hear this, and thanks so much for sharing!
Cheryl Wickersham says
Good morning, is brown rice flour ok to use for this porridge recipe? Or is white better?
Megan says
Hi Cheryl, good morning. I haven’t tried the recipe to know how brown rice flour will perform, maybe just a longer cooking time and more water needed. Sounds yummy, though. Let us know if you make it how it turns out. 🙂
Skye says
Thank you for this recipe, Megan! What would you think about adding collagen for some protein? And if so would you just stir it in after it’s cooked and rested for ten minutes? Thank you!
Megan says
Hi Skye! You’re welcome. 🙂 I think it’s a great idea. You could stir it in as soon as it’s done cooking, and kind of fan it in as you whisk, because it does actually clump (despite the fact that it dissolves well) if it’s dumped in. I’d still enjoy this porridge with protein as well. For our family, we eat it with some meat on the side. But the collagen will nicely give you those additional amino acids. 🙂
Skye says
Thank you so much, Megan! I so appreciate how prompt and thoughtful and generous you are in your replies! : )
Megan says
Thank you, Skye! My pleasure! ♡ 🙂
Skye says
I had it with collagen, MCT oil, maple syrup, and raisins. So delicious!! Excited to try many variations!
Megan says
Great, that sounds so yummy and makes me want to make the same thing right now! 😉 So glad you liked it, and thank you for sharing your results! 🙂
Emma says
Hi. I made it in the microwave. Added a cup of organic milk to bowl and microwaved in 2 1/2 mins. Added a couple Tablespoons of org brown rice flour and microwaved it on half power for two minutes. Perfect!
Megan says
Great, Emma! So nice to know it works in the microwave; thanks for sharing that. And so glad the porridge was perfect for you!
Joni says
Hi Megan, could you use coconut water instead of filtered water?
Megan says
Hi Joni, definitely! Great idea. 🙂